Kayla Thornton claimed a career first this week when she was named to the list of 12 reserve players ahead of this year's All Star game. And while that's a huge feat for Thornton to pull off, she's also leading the way for expansion team rosters in the future: she's the first player from an expansion team to be named an All Star in the league's history.
Thornton had nothing but positive things to say to her coaches and teammates after receiving the nod. "First, it goes to God. For allowing me to be here, to be in front of you guys. To be along with you guys," she said. "Thank you guys for trusting me. For taking a chance on me, picking me. It’s definitely a blessing but that doesn’t come without you guys. Without the coaches giving me the confidence to finally get out of my shell and to be the player I am."
Thornton is in her 10th season in the league and arguably playing the best basketball of her career for the Golden State Valkyries. She has started all 17 games so far and is currently averaging 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. So far this season, Thornton has also racked up four 20+ point games and five double-doubles — factors that make her inclusion in this year's All Star game all the more dynamic and fun for fans and the teams alike.
All Star 2025: what to expect, dates, times, and more
The 2025 WNBA All Star Game will be hosted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, July 19, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+.
This year's All Star will be captained by Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier. The teams will be coached by Cheryl Reeve and Sandy Brondrello. In addition to Clark and Collier, the two rosters will include Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Allisha Gray, Sabrina Ionescu, Aliyah Boston, and Satou Sabally.
In addition to Thornton, the list of reserve players includes Skylar Diggings, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Mitchell, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Courtney Williams, Gabby Williams, and Jackie Young.
Clark and Collier will draft their rosters from the list of starters first and then from the list of reserves; those results will be broadcast on ESPN during an hour-long broadcast of WNBA Countdown on Tuesday, July 8, at 7 p.m. ET.